Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The New World Beckons
| | Greensprings Interpretive Trail | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026
1. The New World Beckons Marker
To Europeans, the New World held forth great promise. Some foresaw an opportunity to achieve wealth through the exploitation of natural resources. Others viewed colonization as a chance to "civilize" the Natives by introducing them to Christianity. But few were aware of the challenges that lay ahead. Although early writers described Virginia's magnificent forests and lush vegetation, the first settlers were ill prepared for life in a wilderness environment. In the beginning, disease, malnutrition, contaminated drinking water, and clashes with the Natives claimed numerous lives. So great was the death toll that the colony became known as a death trap.
Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 37° 14.915′ N, 76° 47.219′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from Greenspring Trail south of Eagle Way, on the left when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula, in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Virginia Wilderness (within shouting distance of this marker); First English Settlement at Jamestown (within shouting distance of this marker); Geological Facts (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arched Tree (about 400 feet away); The Powhatan Creek Watershed (about 600 feet away); Fallen Tree (about 700 feet away); Ephemeral Streams (about 700 feet away); Wetlands of the Greensprings Greenway (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
